Vision naturally declines with age, and conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal injury affect millions. Recent studies illuminate a promising role for NMN, a vital precursor to NAD⁺, in protecting and nurturing eye health.

1. Guarding the Retina Against Damage

In mouse models, NMN significantly improved retinal function after ischemia–reperfusion injury, a condition where blood supply briefly returns and causes oxidative stress and inflammation. NMN treatment preserved retinal performance and reduced inflammatory damage.

2. Slows Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Scientists at Tongji University discovered that NMN protects retina cells from degeneration — suppressing senescent (aged) cells, halving DNA damage, and reducing oxidative stress in a model mimicking age-related macular degeneration.

3. Shields Against Glaucoma-Like Injury

In studies simulating glaucoma in mice, with high intraocular pressure, NMN prevented damage to retinal tissue. The intervention reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately preserving retinal cell survival.

4. Protecting Photoreceptors After Retinal Detachment

Even after retinal detachment, NMN administration showed protective neuroeffects — reducing inflammation, preventing photoreceptor cell death, and limiting structural damage. Mechanistically, this involves increased NAD⁺, and activation of the SIRT1/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.

5. Defends Corneal Cells from UV-Induced Damage

Investigations demonstrated that NMN (and other NAD⁺ precursors) help prevent UVB-induced apoptosis (cell death) in corneal endothelial cells. The mechanism involves activating the AKT signaling pathway, which is essential for cell survival.